I wanted to be like a lot of people (and fictional characters) growing up--my mom, Nancy Drew, our next-door neighbor Meegan, Madonna, Juliet (without the dying part), Jane Goodall, Hillary Clinton. . . . I could go on. Most of all, though, I wanted to be like my big sister, Beth.
Not just because she was my big sister, but because she was (and is) awesome.
She's an incredible artist. Her paintings and artwork are all over my parents' house.
She's intimidatingly smart. Ask her anything about history, and prepare to have your mind blown.
She's passionate and, more importantly, compassionate. She used to bake oatmeal cookies, bag them, and to give them the panhandlers she passed on her commute.
She will always stand up for what she believes in, even if that is the difficult thing to do.
She was always confident and tough when I was shy and unsure.
She has incredible taste in everything: food, clothing, jewelry, art, and especially music. Pretty much every amazing band/album I've ever listened to came from her recommendation.
She is physically tiny but weirdly strong--for her gym elective in high-school, she opted for weightlifting even though it was pretty much her and the enormous jock guys in the class. To this day, she can lift massive boxes and pieces of furniture without help, which makes her look like a tiny ant carrying around a huge leaf.
She's got serious moxie. She once chased a bike thief down the alleyway behind her apartment in long-johns. She got the bike back.
She's a phenomenal teacher and is so dedicated to her students.
(Some of those reasons are current and don't apply to why I looked up to her as a kid, but they just do such a good job of showing who she is.)
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| Me and Beth, last summer |
16 comments:
That's cool that you had/have someone so close to admire.
You're so lucky to have had such a great role model to look up to in your personal sphere. Your sister sounds really awesome.
- Sophia.
What a fabulous tribute to your sister! I always wanted a sister to hero worship growing up (two brothers... bleh) and your post brought back that same feeling. Lovely!
What a great post! I had a sister, but she was younger and, you know, way annoying. ;)
Your sister sounds like such an amazing woman. I especially love the bike story. Go Elizabeth!
wonderful. I so hope you send this to Beth :)
My sister was 10 years younger, and so I think she probably hero-worshipped me. I sure do love her. Lovely post.
Okay - I want to be like your sister. What's nice is that the things we admire most in others are instilled in us - then we (usually unknowingly) project them onto others.
Great post.
Aw, what a lovely post. She's lucky to have you for a sister!
aww I love that you wanted to be like your sister! Perfect.
"She got the bike back." That is so unbelievably awesome! Rebecca, I feel like I know you so much better having read this - it's so honest and wonderful. Your sister is amazing - and YOU are too! XOXO! <33
Aww, this is flat-out gorgeous! :) I hope she reads this. You're both so lucky to have each other!
beth sounds amazing you were so lucky to have such a kickass older sis. id probably die of happiness if my younger sis ever said something of the sort about me, ha. :D
awe - that is a very sweet post!
Your sister sounds badass and wonderful. You should definitely show her this post!
In my family I was the oldest child, so I've never had older siblings to look up to. I would totally love to be like my younger sister though :-)
I agree with Kathy! You should show this to Beth!
I <3 you all! I'll make sure my kickass sister reads this, too.
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